REGION: Chelsea King case raises awareness among runners

Always be aware of your surroundings, authorities say

The killing of Poway teen Chelsea King has special significance
among runners in North County, who now say they are taking
precautions when they jog along the region's picturesque but often
isolated trails.

Law enforcement officials have also urged caution for runners,
especially those who exercise alone.

Bill Martin, who coaches nearly 200 runners in North County,
said he sent out an e-mail to team members reminding them of safety
tips.

He said he often runs the trails south of Lake Hodges where
Chelsea disappeared last week and where a body believed to be hers
was recovered Tuesday.

"It breaks my heart what happened there," Martin said.

Some of the tips are:

-- Don't run at night.

-- Always have an ID.

-- Don't wear headphones.

One of the main precautions whether jogging in a remote area or
walking on the street is to be alert, said Lynn Diamond, a
spokeswoman for the Carlsbad Police Department.

"We really would encourage people to be aware of what's going on
around them" Diamond said. "We always would encourage them not to
wear things in their ears that would make them not aware of their
surroundings."

An avid runner and a member of Poway High School's cross-country
team, Chelsea was last seen Feb. 25 when she left school for a run
in the Lake Hodges area. Her car was later found parked in Rancho
Bernardo Community Park, which is adjacent to the trails popular
with runners in the area.

Although not officially identified, a body found Tuesday in the
area is very likely hers, said Sheriff Bill Gore.

In his team e-mail, Martin also urged runners to always have a
buddy. Martin is the North County coach for Team In Training, the
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's charity sports training
program.

Call staff writer Edward Sifuentes at 760-740-3511.

Safety tips for joggers and runners

- Carry a cell phone.

- Let someone know you are leaving and let them know when you
will be back.